Masquerade - These Masks We Wear

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

"Don't lie to me, child," she said playfully. "I'm just trying to make conversation."

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

"Uh," Fischer looked for words, his mouth having dried out. "You're the Raveness. Can't you read my mind or something?"

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

She scoffed. "I am not a witch. The years have embellished the rumors of my skill. What I do is purely science."

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

"Oh," Fischer tried to not sound relieved. "So, uh . . ." He cleared his throat, at a loss for words again.

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

Riva rolled her eyes, sighing. "You seem awfully interested in my face. I do hope you're staring at it because you find me pleasant, because anything otherwise might anger me."

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

Fischer paled, "uh, yes. It's very pleasant." He winced, glancing towards the general. "Not that I find you attractive." He quickly added, "but you still look good!"

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

"Thank you," she said flatly. "Stars, why don't mortals make decent conversation?" 

When he was done, she pulled her hand away. "Thank you. Now, I'm not terribly adept at bandaging the wounded, so why don't you run along and do that yourself? And try to snap Caden out of his reverie? I want more kisses, they're good for him."

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

Fischer nodded quickly, "as you wish, ma'am."

He turned away and tentatively tapped the general on the shoulder. Caden looked over at Fischer, his face tight in a mixture of anger and concern. "How many others were involved in this, soldier."

Fischer glanced back towards Riva, worried about still being in the room. "I can't say for sure, sir. But more than who were there."

Caden groaned, "we'll have to root out the traitors." 

When the general spoke the words, the younger man shuddered at the thought. "Sir, they're all Preatorium. I don't understan-"

"Doesn't matter," Caden snapped, "anyone who harms my wife, then turns around to nearly kill their comrades is deserving of death." He stalked towards the door, "come, soldier. We have work to do."

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

"Yes, dear," said Riva. She stood up, midnight colored dress trailing behind her. "Do what I suggested you do earlier and check up on your guard." Riva rolled her eyes. "I hope next time it doesn't take broken bones for you to listen to me."

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

Caden paused at the doorway, grinding his teeth. "They are my men," he clenched his fists. "My loyal men . . ."

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

"Not so loyal after all, though, don't you think? Until you sort out this mess, I want a personal guard you trust for certain. I refuse to be confined to quarters for the foreseeable future."

Edited September 11, 2021 by Zephrun's Imperium

[Fallapede]

23 hours ago, The Ward's Guard said:

"If you say so." He gestured to the door they stood before, "here's where you'll wait for your audience, if the King even decides to talk with you."

"You've been most gracious to me, and I do appreciate it. You may think little of it, but I like to make a point of repaying such things." Jasper bowed and pulled open the door.

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

16 hours ago, Zephrun's Imperium said:

"Not so loyal after all, though, don't you think? Until you sort out this mess, I want a personal guard you trust for certain. I refuse to be confined to quarters for the foreseeable future."

"It would be far easier if you just stayed in those quarters until it's handled," Caden said placing his hands on his hips, "and I doubt you'll want to watch it happen."

 

16 hours ago, Fallapede said:

"You've been most gracious to me, and I do appreciate it. You may think little of it, but I like to make a point of repaying such things." Jasper bowed and pulled open the door.

"Of course," the guard said with an eyeroll. "Just stay here until we hear back from the King."

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

"I demand to know I'm safe for the time being." She put her own hands on her hips to challenge him. "You could leave Fischer with me."

Edited September 11, 2021 by Zephrun's Imperium

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

Caden glanced at the soldier just in time to see him fail to catch a breath, "I'm not sure he's up for it."

Fischer gave a hasty salute, "sir, I can do whatever you need me too."

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

"Stay here, boy," Riva demanded. "I'll see if I can make up a potion to better help your friend."

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

Caden sighed, "fine. But Riva, he is a bodyguard, not a servant. He hasn't spent years training in combat to be a manservant for you."

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

She pouted. "Oh, but he might get bored."

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

Caden quickly scanned the young man who was failing to hide his apprehension, "I don't think that will be an issue, will it?"

"No sir," Fischer responded too quickly. 

"You see?" Caden nodded, "so leave him be and let him do his job."

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

"Oh fine. Fine, fine, fine." She sat down and mused. "I miss Daku...."

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

"Didn't you think he was a creep?"

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

"Of course he was, but he got me dressed and chopped up ingredients, and did all the heavy lifting for me."

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

"That's not what he's here for," Caden reiterated as he pointed towards Fischer. "If you need heavy lifting, then have one of the serving staff help you, or you could set it aside for me and I'll deal with it in due time. Alright?"

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

"But he's open to chop roots?"

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

"He's a bodyguard, Riva." Caden shook his head, "I'll return when this is all over." He turned towards Fischer, "don't let anything happen to her, understand?"

Fischer saluted, "not a thing."

"Good," Caden nodded, turning to the door. He paused, glancing back at his wife. "Be safe, please."